Pitch Parties

This weekend I have accepted two invitations to “Old fashioned pitch parties.” Last night was the first hosted by my friends Matt and Julie. Traditionally they host these parties in the dead of winter as a way to get people out of the house and socialize. There’s always great food, conversation, unbelievable hands and the opportunity to meet new people.

Julie plans a very structured evening, there are printed rules, table assignments, score sheets, a winner’s prize and back up sub players in case you need a break. Because Jul makes us draw for partners, each team is comprised of one male and one female. I always cross my fingers in hopes of getting an experienced pitch player (please let it be Jamie or Rod, please, please, please) and as luck would have it, my partner was a first time pitch player although we came in last, the other first time pitch player was on the winning team. (No hard feelings JP :)

That’s why it’s called a game. Strategy is important but you have to play the cards you’re dealt. We played 10 point, with no 4 card widow in the middle (after some discussion we concluded that modification in the game may be a Callaway County thing.) After you reach 31 points the winners stay at table one and the losers go down to table three. This makes it fun because you have new partners each game. I had the chance to catch up with old friends, make a new friend, enjoy some delicious food, beverages and have fun while practicing my number skills.

Rod shot the moon, I held on to a trey until the last play, took a trey from someone with a nine, went set and the next hand got all ten, a typical evening of pitch. I LOVE pitch, it’s my favorite card game. I’m grateful to the entire Beedle side of my family who taught me to play at a very young age. I started by sitting on someone’s lap and watch as they played. Observation is a terrific teacher. As I got older I played with my cousins at the Lake while on vacation. Cards were great fun if it rained and in the evenings. Once a month my grandparents would host or attend card parties I always loved tagging along.

You can learn a lot about a person by the way they play cards. From the way they hold their cards, bid, play, toss cards away and treat their partner. Their approach and philosophy towards life shine through. I’ve heard it all: “Be serious, this is a serious game,” “no table talking or card counting!” “Oh, just have fun, it’s just a game!” “Bid five - anyone can make five!” “Oh, I don’t know…I’m not sure if I can bid.” “You gotta’ bid, you can’t win if you don’t bid!” “Shoot the moon; go on just shoot the moon!” “No, I wasn’t sleeping, is it my turn?”

Tonight’s friends and family pitch party will be a completely different experience. We will randomly sit down and play in tables of 5 or 6 people. You can call for your partner and track your individual score. The usual cast of characters should be there which always keep it lively! I’m looking forward to going to Dad’s tonight, more memories to make, snacks to taste and lots of laughter and fellowship!